Pandemonium in Peoria: The Boba Book Babes Mysteries, #1

By Rochelle Bradley and CJ Warrant

Hanging with the Boba Book Babes at the Pandemonium in Peoria book event is supposed to be fun… schmooze with her favorite authors, buy books, and take pictures with the sexy AF male cover models. What Gina DiCaprio didn't expect is to see her high school crush, Austin Blackmoor, and to find her favorite author dead with a phallus sucker shoved down his throat.

Not only is she a suspect, but another murder occurs right under her nose and now more than one attendee is on the suspect list. With the missing assistant who might have the answers to the murders, Gina and the Boba Book Babes stumble onto clues that might help clear her name and uncover the killer.

Austin Blackmoor didn't count on a murder–least of all two, happening at the Pandemonium event. But reconnecting with his first love is the only highlight of the weekend. With each passing hour, they rekindle their attraction while the killer is on their heels. Austin will have to do everything to save the woman he's not willing to lose again.

Can the Boba Book Babes uncover the killer before someone else dies? Will Gina and Austin get a second chance at love? Stick around for the after-party to discover the truth behind the Pandemonium in Peoria.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Epic Dreams Publishing
• Release date: Jul 13, 2022
• ISBN: 9781947561205

Rochelle Bradley

Rochelle writes epic dreams. In her mind, they play like a movie with a cast of fun-loving, big-hearted people in a small-town setting. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Rochelle developed a love of nature, art and traveling. Snowbird grandparents first introduced her to Texas when she was a child. Her fondness for the state grew over the years. In college, she flip-flopped between interior decorating and creative writing. Alas, she chose decorating. She worked as a certified professional bra fitter through college and accumulated many interesting stories and a box full of goodies for her soon-to-be Prince. She made the long migration to Dayton, Ohio after marrying. Taking an early retirement as a decorator, she accepted the full-time position of mother. In 2008, when her youngest entered Kindergarten, she decided to get the stories out of her head. Midway through her first novel, hurricane Ike (yes, a hurricane in Ohio) rendered the laptop useless with a nine-day power outage. She didn't give up, but continued to pursue her dream.  Rochelle shares her home with one cat, two high schoolers, three lizards, and her Prince. To learn more about Rochelle and her books, please visit RochelleBradley.com. Don’t forget to follow her at Facebook.com/RochelleBradleyAuthor/

Book preview

Chapter 1

Gina

Gina stopped herself from backhanding her twin sister. This wasn’t the first time she’d been shoved to the side as Cyndi hustled through a narrow entry. No, the first time had been at birth.

Thank God her boba tea was sealed or there would have been a total mess, followed by a brawl between her and Cyndi.

Gina glanced over her shoulder at Brandy Fuchs, who rolled her eyes. Her friend motioned for Gina to go through the doorway first. She grinned and hurried ahead, eager to get her hard copy map of the book event and the VIP bracelet.

Brandy adjusted her leather book harness while their other friend, Samantha Montgomery, followed, toting a collapsible wagon filled with books for author Rodney Stiff and the cover models to sign. While Brandy focused on the registration table, Sam glanced around tentatively as if the authors or books would bite.

Don’t be afraid. You might like it, Brandy tutted.

Gina shook her head at her friends. Brandy had a bold attitude, whereas Sam was far from a reader and more laid back.

Gina stopped beside Cyndi, nudging her sister in the side with her elbow. She wanted to flip her off, as was their custom, but Gina again restrained the urge.

Took you long enough, Cyndi teased with a grin.

And whose fault is that? Gina snipped, glaring at her twin.

Name? an older woman with a blonde bob asked. Her name tag read Barb, and she was the spitting image of Gina and Cyndi’s elementary music teacher.

Gina opened her mouth to respond, but Cyndi cut in as usual before she could utter a word. Cyndi DiCaprio and my sister, Gina DiCaprio.

That’s right. Gina pressed her lips together. She hoped it wouldn’t be one of those weekends. She wanted to get along with her sister, but sometimes there were days when being a single child would have been nice.

Barb blinked, then tilted her head in wonderment. Like the actor?

He’s our cousin, Gina blurted out the lie for the billionth time.

Smiling, Cyndi stifled a chuckle before she thumbed over her shoulder. This is Brandy Fuchs and Samantha Montgomery.

We can talk, Brandy mumbled, smoothing out her periwinkle T-shirt. She’d made them each one featuring a cute boba tea cup, grinning over an open paperback. The words Boba Book Babes scrawled over her chest peeked out from under her leather book holster. Rodney Stiff’s newest release rested in it on display.

My sister likes to remind everyone her mouth is the biggest out of the four of us. Gina grinned

That’s what he said. Sam cackled and slapped her thigh.

Gina and Brandy giggled along. Cyndi smirked at each of them. Gina expected her sister to give them a middle finger, but instead, she returned her attention back to the woman.

Ignore them. They don’t get out much. Cyndi stuck her tongue out at the Babes. She took her packet and stepped aside.

The rest of the Babes accepted their packets of information as Barb marked them off the list.

Ladies, I’m Izzy Drummond. Don’t forget to buy your raffle tickets. They’ll go on sale right after the panel tonight. All the proceeds will be donated to charity, and the prizes are fabulous, Izzy crooned while she spread her arms and twirled. When she stopped, her pink and blue hair bounced around her face. Colorful unicorn and owl pins lined her blue lanyard strap. There are book boxes, T-shirts, and gift cards. All kinds of bookish crafts, too, like tablet covers and even handmade quilts. You don’t want to miss out.

Nice. Brandy pointed to Izzy’s lanyard. I like your pins.

Thanks. I kinda have a thing for unicorns and hooters. Wait until you see my costume for the after-party. She laughed and waved goodbye as another group of attendees approached.

What’s first? Sam asked, dropping her manilla envelope into the wagon. Casino? I’m feeling lucky. A tinge of hope coated her words.

Gina and Cyndi’s gaze met, and Brandy shook her head. You knew what you were getting into, Sam, Brandy huffed.

Sam glanced down at her brown cowgirl boots. I know.

Thanks for putting up with our obsession, Gina offered with a smile.

My reason for coming is to see y’all. Sam grinned.

And for the tea. Gina winked, then slurped her last boba up the straw.

I’m glad you’re here, Brandy said, weaving an arm around Sam’s. She tugged her forward. Now, come on.

Let’s not forget the gorgeous cover models, Cyndi chimed in. Especially the one on Rodney Stiff’s dragon shifter book or Jamison Blaine’s newest m-preg release.

Gina’s face heated, but a huge smile broke out. The same hunky hero graced those novel covers and more. It didn’t matter if he modeled for sci-fi, paranormal, MC, contemporary romance, or romantic suspense. Clean-shaven or sporting a beard, the man was beautiful. And he happened to be there at the Pandemonium in Peoria author event. She planned to have him sign every book she had with his likeness. She’d even pre-ordered a few he’d modeled for in genres she preferred not to read.

I want a picture with the models. Brandy smiled like the Cheshire cat. All of them.

Mmhmm, Sam hummed. Her gaze circled the convention hallway like a lioness surveying the savanna.

First things first. Cyndi showed a room on her map. We need to get to ballroom one.

I can’t wait to see Rodney Stiff again. Brandy took the lead. One wheel of her cart squeaked, although the burgundy carpet muffled the noise.

I can’t believe it’s been over three years, Gina admitted as she walked next to Cyndi.

Cyndi side-eyed her sister. We saw him last year.

I know. I meant mine and Brandy’s friendship. We met in line at Rod Stiff’s book signing in Cincinnati. Gina sucked back the last boba and then dropped her empty cup in a trash bin.

He’d been a nobody back then with only one book. Gina and Brandy had stood in line together for forty-five minutes. Polite conversation turned into a deep book discussion, especially over Rodney Stiff’s amazing story. But they talked about other authors as well. They exchanged numbers, and the rest was history.

When Cyndi had suggested the Peoria author event, Gina had cringed at the idea. Peoria? Really? The Boba Book Babes had already planned three other events in cool cities, like San Antonio.

Peoria was not on the list of exotic places to visit, even if they had books.

Then, Cyndi had mentioned Rodney Stiff was sponsoring a Friday night panel at the Pandemonium event. Gina had peppered her with questions and then looked up the details on the website. She’d joined the group page and followed the event’s social media, but when she noticed Austin Blackmoor, the cover model planned to be in attendance, Gina bought her ticket.

Austin’s dark hair, prominent cheekbones, and strong jawline were resemblant of a warrior. With his broad shoulders, toned arms, and a six-pack, Gina would buy and guzzle all books with his likeness.

Meeting him in person would solve one mystery: what color were Austin’s eyes? On each cover, they appeared different. He had yellow, reptilian eyes on a dragon shifter book with elongated, vertical pupils. On an MC book, they were a vibrant green.

Look. Sam pointed to Barb. She was wearing a scowl and had hands on her hips. A pixie-like woman waved her arms as she berated Barb. A red author lanyard hung around the diminutive woman’s neck, while another woman with red glasses nodded in agreement.

That’s author Deidra Raines, Cyndi informed.

Why is she mad? Brandy asked.

I don’t know. I can’t hear them, Cyndi said, slowing down her pace.

They continued forward as the drama unfolded. Deidra pointed across the room toward the panel table. Gina thought Deidra mouthed Rod Stiff, then she stomped off, leaving Barb glaring in another direction. Gina followed Barb’s gaze and froze. Sam ran into her.

Oh, my God, Gina softly squealed. There he is.

Rodney Stiff, Brandy whispered with reverence.

With short dark-blond hair and sun-kissed highlights, the author could have passed as a surfer. But wearing a slim-cut suit with a cobalt tie, he appeared to walk off the cover of a billionaire romance novel.

Oh, shiitake mushrooms, he’s hot. Cyndi fanned herself with the itinerary booklet.

Tie me up, and call me Sally, Sam hummed. Forget the models…

Gina broke out of her trance, pressing forward. Let’s find a seat. And Austin.

Brandy snagged a chair and tucked the wagon beside it. Cyndi sat her books and packet next to Brandy’s. They helped each other fasten the VIP bracelet around their wrists.

Gina struggled to attach the sticky end of her lavender VIP band.

Let me, Sam offered as Gina held out her wrist.

Ooh, there’s Addie Werner. Brandy leaned in and lowered her voice as if she was revealing a national secret. She’s one of Rodney’s biggest competitors. Her paranormal bear shifter series ranks neck and neck with his dragon shifters.

I’ve read the bear series. Cyndi’s gaze followed the purple-haired woman as she stepped onto the stage. You’d like it, Gina. It’s a reverse harem. The first book has three men who take one woman as their fated mate.

I love fated mates. Gina rubbed her chin, making a mental note to add Addie’s bear novels to her to-be-read list.

The Boba Book Babes settled into their seats, checking the time. Only a half an hour until the paranormal panel began. Would they talk about shifters, vampires, or other entities? Gina kneaded her hands, anxious and excited to learn about the upcoming releases.

As Gina scanned the platform, Deidra greeted Addie with a hand shake. Smirking, Deidra pointed to Addie’s arm. A smile lit Addie’s face, and she twisted her arm, showing the other author a tattoo. Gina scrunched her brows, trying to see the colorful design.

A well-dressed man with a yellow lanyard power-walked past them. Anyone wanting a picture with Rodney Stiff before the panel starts, follow me. He beckoned with a wave.

Thanks, Harrison, one volunteer stated as she bounced past.

I want to go talk to Rodney before he speaks. Brandy glanced around another clump of VIP attendees.

I’ll go with you, Gina said. Hurry, before that group gets to him.

Sam waved them off. I’ll watch the stuff—

What if Austin appears? Cyndi teased, bumping her sister.

Gina grinned. Oh. She crossed her arms, debating what she should do.

With a smug smile, Sam raised her hand. I’m for models. Gina high-fived Sam.

I’ll stick with Sam, Gina said, glancing around the room, hoping to spot Austin.

Then I’m with Brandy. Cyndi stood and left with their friend.

The room thrummed with energy as enthusiastic people, mostly women, flowed into the ballroom. They congregated at the ends of the rows or near the entrance. Some took their seats, studying the map. The noise level rose as the place filled.

Gina observed Barb’s interactions with other authors but caught her glowering in Rodney’s direction once more.

Deidra and her shadow, most likely her personal assistant, loitered in the back as far away as possible from the man.

Sam poked Gina’s shoulder, causing her to jump. Sorry, but look what just walked in. She pointed to a side entrance where three tall, muscular men in tight T-shirts and skinny jeans stood. As if they inhaled middle-aged readers, a throng of women amassed around them.

Gina climbed on a chair to get a better look. It’s him, she whispered in awe. Austin glanced her way, and they locked gazes. His mouth stopped mid-sentence. A giant smile erupted, and her heart threatened to beat itself out of her chest.

She glanced around disbelieving in a room full of people he smiled specifically at her. Since no one else stood on any chairs, she surmised with hopeful exuberance that Austin Blackmoor’s smile was meant for her.

Sam, who didn’t need a chair, narrowed her eyes. What are they handing out?

Gina hopped down and took her friend’s arm. Let’s find out.

They snaked their way over toward the men, who’d been backed against the wall. The models had spread out, and each had a handful of author swag. The bearded red-head handed out signed bookmarks with a breath mint attached. A fan swooned when she held up a Viking romance novel for the model to sign.

Next to him, a buff, wiry but youthful man stood with a lopsided grin. He politely answered questions and flexed while ladies snapped photos. He too was handing out swag of some sort.

Gina skirted the red-head and the baby-faced model, heading straight for Austin’s line. She waited, biting her lip as her heart clamored in her chest.

Sam had her phone out, camera mode ready to take pictures.

He’s so tall. Gina sighed.

Yeah, I think you come up to his belly button. Sam giggled.

Gina stepped on Sam’s foot. Don’t make fun of my height.

Just joking—geez—you better be glad I’m not wearing my good boots, Sam hissed.

Gina ignored her friend’s grumblings and peered around the couple in front of them. As she did, Austin glanced up and met her gaze again. The world halted as the oxygen was sucked out of the atmosphere. A slow, sultry smile formed on the model’s full lips. How many evenings had she envisioned book heroes in Austin Blackmoor’s form, kissing her with those perfect lips and using his tongue in other places on her body? Gina attempted to swallow, but her mouth was like the Sahara.

Sam nudged her, pulling Gina out of her musings. He is checking you out as if you’re biscuits smothered with chocolate gravy.

I wouldn’t mind being smothered in his gravy.

The temperature of the room skyrocketed. Gina covered her heart and tried to swallow again. Thankfully, a woman stepped between them and broke the connection. Gina inhaled a deep, calming breath. And another. She studied the shoes of the other VIP guests until she got her heart rate down to semi-normal.

Gina and Sam took a step closer and peered at the man’s hands holding lollipops in various colors.

Gina? His velvety voice stroked her soul, and her head snapped up.

Mystery solved about his eye color.

Austin’s eyes sparkled the color of cinnamon with flecks of gold. They were intense and fascinating at the same time.

She tilted her head, confused. Austin Blackmoor knows my name.

Gina DiCaprio? he questioned, holding her gaze.

Sam elbowed Gina in the side. She and her friend shared a quick look of shock.

Hold your horses. How do you know her name? Sam echoed Gina’s thought.

Please hold these, Molly. Austin handed the lollipops to the woman with red glasses.

Gina glanced at her lanyard and read, Molly Caudill PA. She must be Deidra Raines’ personal assistant.

Molly reluctantly nodded, accepting the multi-colored sweet treats. A yellow cloth bag with an open book print hung in the crook of her tattooed arm.

Turning his dazzling eyes back to Gina, he asked, Don’t you recognize me?

Did Cyndi put you up to this? I’ll kill my twin, then hug her later.

No. A smirk formed on his handsome face. Are you sure you don’t recognize me? After all that time I waited under your bed. One brow rose as he leaned closer. The scent of spice, sandalwood, and soap hit her nose. Gina inhaled, and a shiver ran through her.

Her heart lodged in her throat as she regarded his likeness on the book cover, then studied his face.

It can’t be.

It had been over a decade since that night. No one knew what happened except for them, not even her twin.

She shook her head. It’s not possible. But… As she studied his whiskey-colored eyes a bit longer, a familiar memory of a boy she’d crushed on rushed to the forefront of her mind and filled her